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SOHN'S BOOKLET 



Is a Nation of Commerce, or 
Commercial Nation 
Better Than a 

POLITICAL GOVERNMENT? 



BY 

J. A. SOHN 

n 

Copyriibl Pendiai 

PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS 



^ 




EL RENO, OKLA,, SEPT. 1912 




NO MAN 

Is great unless he has done great 
things. 

NO MAN 

Is entitled to -what others do. 

NO MAN 

Seeking "Power and Money" is a 
safe rnler. 

NO MAN 

Is other than his acts. 



■MM* ' 



&CI.A320264 







J . A . S O H N 



' 



POLITICAL- 

Artful, skilful management of re- 
sources, property and labor. 

GOVERNMENT- 

The exercise of authority over its 
people. 

Or COMMERCE- 

The interchange of things with its 
people. 



Sohn's Booklet 



Let Us Reason With Reason 



And in reasoning with reason — from Webster's 
fundamental definition of a Government — We are 
not a Government — from the very reason of its 
definition. 

But. instead, we are a Nation of Commerce — 
or a Commercial Nation, from its definition — or — ■ 
of what we arc in reality. 

The one is a Government of people subject to 
the exercise of authority, direction and restraint 
exercised over us; the other, a Nation of Commerce, 
or a Commercial Nation. Our customs, the inter- 
change of goods, wares, production, property of 
any kind, between nations, or individuals, by sale, 
trade or traffic. 

And 1" reason with reason, the one is serf, the 
oilier sovereign. I ask the American people which 
of these two we are? If. the former, we are slaves; 
if tiie latter we are monarch of our own production. 

Now, in this little pamphlet or book, I will not 
tire you. 

And, ask gratitude for its briefness. 

Our plain duty is reason in all tilings. 

It we were a Commercial Nation — as Nature 
has endowed — with Commercial customs— as rea- 
son teaches — and had obeyed or would obey the 
definition as Webster gave it — and had— or would 
now live — what we arc in reason and reality, a 
Commercial Nation — what would be a reasonable 
solution of our condition today? 

[nstead, we are now living under a political 
Government, subject to, the exercise of authority, 
and what are our conditions socially, religiously, 
morally, politically, or financially"-' Is it not time 
to reason with reason. 

Ts it not time to notice the things being done 
under our political Government? Can we hope ro 
subdue political strife by allowing it to exercise its 
authority over us? 

Tn all candor, do the builders of Nations, 
who seek to promote our every commercial inter- 
est, those who feed and clothe humanity, those who 
earn every dollar reciuired to move the commerce 
of the Nation and promote the interests of its peo- 
ple, do they require a political coterie to manipulate 
the things they do? 

If so — then surely we are in need of a political 
rovernment to exercise its authoritv over us. 
Will the people study a little definition? If so, 
look at the definition of Government. Political. 



Democracy, Republic, Socialist or Prohibition. 

Now harmonize any of these with Government 
if you can — and see Avhat you have — you will be 
looking at our present condition, nothing more — 
we are unable to get away from it. Our great 
would-be-statesmen may theorize and theorem un- 
til they get black in the face, they are unable to 
change it. 

We are unable to be other than what we are. 

We are nothing more or less — a Nation of 
Commerce — read its definition, it will harmonize 
with anything honorable — especially Commerce. 

And yet. we are a political Government and 
operated as such. 

Reason — Suppose we had operated one hun- 
dred and thirty-six years as a Nation of Commerce, 
or Commercial Nation, with a common interest as 
its definition denotes, what would be a reasonable 
solution of our condition today. 

Can it be fact — that the American people ab- 
solute!}- refuse to reason? Will they not allow 
themselves as much time as it requires to analyze 
Political Government? Or either one of them? If 
so, there should be no complaint of condition. 

It seems to have taken us a hundred years be- 
fore we understood that we were a Political Gov- 
ernment. 

That fact well established and our susceptible 
quality of power to exercise authority — we may 
safely expect to move faster than we have in the 
last thirty-six years. 

Note if you will the strife exercised at our 
conventions this year, 1912. See the number of 
people wishing to exercise their authority over us, 
and at the same time charge us more to do so than 
any of us arc able to secure following the different 
vocations of life necessary to perpetuate the credit 
of the Nation. 

How long can we maintain National credit — 
under the exercise of authority. 

And under such authority, who is entitled to 
credit? 

Can we hope for continued credit while the 
men elected to exercise authority are plunging us 
in debt beyond our redeeming power to pay? That 
the few exercising this power be entitled to credit 
at the expense of the Nation. 

Is it not time — to reason with reason? 

El Reno, Okla., July 2nd, 1012. 



Sohn's Booklet 



Graft As a Theme 



I have tackled almost everything but graft, and 
will wager my bank account that it scoops the pow- 
ers that be. 

There is no power to check or cause its over- 
throw. It must overthrow itself. As it is unable to 
get assistance in the human family, therefore it is 
monarch. 

Humanity doffs its hat, and bids it welcome, 
knowing full well there to be only a chance in a 
thousand, yet its hope against odds has no terror. 

To graft and be successful one must have many 
accomplishments, must be highly educated, a care- 
ful student of high finance, and his law knowledge 
above reproach of judge or jury; his deceit an art. 
couched in alluring smiles that makes one feel good 
to be robbed, and must be so deep-dyed in iniquity 
and wrong that he can take the widow's mite as 
easily as that of the rich. These are a few of the 
accomplishments a successful grafter acquires in 
order to satisfy his true nature. There is nothing 
too low but that he will stoop to it, and nothing 
too big for him to take. 

Graft is the greatest enemy the human family ■ 
is heir to. It has so completely interwoven itself 
into the affairs of the people that they are bewild- 
ered in its magnitude. 

It is clothed with law and respectability, and 
the people are at a loss to comprehend it. It has 
outwitted all other manner of theft by clothing 
itself with position, respectability and law. 

The higher position he can command the bet- 
ter his chance for big steals, and the more notable 
his assumed respectability, the larger are the num- 
ber of people to believe in him. and to clothe it 
with respectability and law, make of it a desirable 
and profitable occupation to follow, provided you 
wish to confiscate other people's earnings in order 
to gratify your true nature. 

Just why this is so we refrain from making 
public, and the secret is as safely locked withir 
ourselves as thoueh it never existed. Graft is a 



desire to obtain other people's money through any 
agent the grafter can command, and yet retain 
enough assumed respectability to retain that con- 
fidence or respect of the people so essential to the 
cause, and the successful grafter puts this art of 
crime upon the unsuspecting people in such a 
clever way that the laws previously enacted do not 
check his progress or punish him. The term graft 
is full of meaning and should receive more consid- 
eration of our people. If its future advancement 
is as rapid as in the past few years it will so burden 
our people that to endure it would mean complete 
slavery, and of necessity this will require a 
change in our affairs in order to meet the demands 
of our people. 

Graft is deceitful, disloyal and dishonest. It 
commits more crime than all other form of vice, 
theft, robbery or murder combined. It is the great- 
est enemy to humanity or anything else, and if not 
checked or overthrown it will overthrow the people. 
It will destroy the very sunshine of life, liberty and 
Lappiness. It will destrov every good form of gov- 
ernment. It will rob the people of their honor or 
their very humanity. It is the greatest destroyer of 
human rights known to people — and will rob justice 
of its progress and turn its wheels backward to the 
blackest ages of man. And vet our government 
fails to check its progress Is there no manner of 
law to be enacted to stop it? Do not the law-mak- 
ing powers know that it is wrong? Do they not 
.know if it devolves upon the people to do these 
things thai it will be expensive? Surely it would 
seem the part of wisdom to do things in such 
manner as to benefit the greater number, if not ali 
the people. 

There can be no question as to the rulers of 
this nation knowing that to overthrow graft would 
be the greatest achievement they could bestow on 
this people, and they can. Will they do it? 

Respectfullv, 

J. A. SOHN, 

El Reno, Oklahoma. 



Sohn's Booklet 



A Theme — Why is it? 



We all want to belly up to the pie counter — 
Lest, we starve. 

There seems to be nothing in this country of 
ours but Politics, and if we fail to get office — We 
starve, — or it were better to plunge headlong into 
the jaws of death. 

What's the matter with this Liberty-loving 
country of ours? 

Or, have Ave discovered a new method of ob- 
taining a livelihood? 

That of persuading the dear dovelike people — 
of placing us in power over themselves, by electing 
us into office. And ! Then retire to their cage to 
direct our wireless message, or mount our horse of 
steam, or go to the field, or the factory, or the 
mine, to earn money to pay us with? While we 
enjoy the shade and their earnings — and tell them 
we are going to make their burdens lighter by tak- 
ing what they earn? 

It's funny — Isn't it. boys? 

Thanks, boys, awfully. We will make you 
good officers — or officers. 

And now our political arena will rear up be- 
fore and behind and emit their favorite warning, 
ANARCHY? 

Please, political Bosses, don't do this, I'm not 
a dangerous fellow as the people of Wichita, Kan., 
and El R«no, Oklahoma, will bear witness — or my 
name is Dennis. 

The real enemy of a Government is the people 
in command of it, that allow its citizens ground 
into the very dust — by the power of money, greed 
or graft, or anything detrimental to its people — but 
not a persDn that objects to those things. 

And there is no need of worrying about anyone 
jumping in and tearing up some 45 or 50 big states 
by the roots either — you can't do it even under 
favorable circumstances when all are after office. 

Yet I consider it a favorable time to interest 
those unable to belly up to the pie counter. 

That the American people are willing to be 
treated to a really progressive form of Government 
for all of its people — would be the greatest achieve- 
ment that this or any nation of people could Avish 
for. and why our officers do not do this, Ave are un- 
able to understand, it Avere an easy matter to make 
two or three laAvs and enforce them ! The Army is 
at their command — and few people will object — in 
fact there is not an honorable citizen in the L T nited 
States that Avould object. 

WHO IS AT FAULT 3 Have we a right to 
expect those occupying those elegant offices, with 
big salary attachment Avrung from the toil of labor? 
Have we any right to expect these people to giA'e 
them up Or even let another citizen occupy them 
for a single term Avithout a fight? Anyone silly, 
enough to tolerate a thought of that kind should 
never get out of reach of his mother, he needs her 
vrotection. What? Paper? All about Wilson's 



nomination — shouts a neAvsboy — Well — Wilson is 
elected right now — us democrats elect early — But 
who is Wilson? A man of learning — "men of much 
reading are greatly yearned — but may be little 
knowing, skilled in anything good or bad" (Web- 
ster). "Wilson as I am told is now and ahvays has 
been an extra high salaried man — hence it has re- 
quired much of labors toil to pay him, and he now 
proposes to help labor out of the hole — its awfully- 
funny isn't it, but its politics, let's swallow any 
dum thing they give us, we have — I mean they have 
— we were minus — they were present — closed our 
tAvo famous Pandemoniums with credit to them- 
selves, but not. to the millions who toil to pay them 
—they orated — they should not steal this from 
Teddy or beat Bryan out of that — it was a pretty 
kettle of fish — but in all that coterie of patriots — 
was there a champion for needy humanity — if theie 
was, notifications are in order — and you will see 
more rejoicing than in 1776 — there is not a breast 
with life in it that breathes God's free air that does 
not love its freedom or Liberty — it is so universal 
that even the I, ion, Tiger, Panther, Bear or Wolf 
are patriotic as regards freedom — you may hound 
them to bay— or drive them into the sea — or up a 
tree — they will do anything for their freedom. 

Noav there are millions of people as patriotic 
as the Avild animals of the forst — and equally as 
\dcious as they Avhen hounded to bay — but vou may 
say, I saAv all those animals in Barnum's, Ringling 
Brothers and Sells Brothers shows, and they Avere 
not bad — they Avere really nice and sleek and well 
behaved — but they were well fed. There are mil- 
lions of people that will do better than these ani- 
mals — they will feed themselves if given an oppor- 
tunity to do so, or if given a goodly share of their 
OAvn earnings. 

It may be our political bosses idea to starve 
us into submission, slave, or sovereign — don't do it, 
boys — not that it can't be done — It can. But it 
works so fast and furious that nobody knows Avhere 
they are at, it's like a convention — only it's the real 
thing. 

I saAv it demonstrated at Chattanooga, Term., 
during the Avar — the Johnnys- had us in a tight 
place there,. Ave could move neither to right, left or 
straight ahead ; Lookout Mountain on our right, 
Tennessee River on the left and Mission Ridge in 
front of us. We hated to crawfish and Avere com- 
pelled to live on quarter rations, as it was impossi- 
ble to supply us Avith food. It Avas not long before 
things became desperate; our Generals — (bless 
them — they were the best men on earth) deter- 
mined to do something to keep us from eating each 
other — so they took us out to maneuver us in front 
of Mr. Johnny and make a feint, in order to ?et 
them to concentrate their forces, that Ave could get 
in' supplies: Avhen Avithin safe distance of enemy 
command Halt ! Avas given- -but no attention paid 



Sohn's Booklet 



to it — we were headed for Johnn's cowpeas and 
corn bread and on up the mountain we went. Grant 
rode up to Thomas, and demanded ro know who 
sent those men up there. Thomas replied, it seems 
as though they are doing it of their own free will. 
Grant replied, if it proves fata! some one will get 
the blame — and rode away. 

Now genteel manipulator it is not too safe a 
proposition to rely too much on hungry people, 
they do not know where to stop. It we are a hu- 
mane family we should keep abreast with creations 
progress of time. If we are an intelligent people, 
our acts should demonstrate it. Jf we are a pro- 
gressive and industrious people, our conditions will 
be all that is required to make us the greatest natipJ? 
of people on earth today. 

Do Ave enjoy these natural gifts that Nature is 
willing to bestow. If not, why is it? If there is 
anvthing to deprive us of these things it should be 
removed — it is the duty of our officers in charge 
of affairs to protect its citizens, or the Nation from 
wrone — that is why we elect them — and pay a 
standing army to obey their orders. If our officers 
are unable to protect millions of its citizens — that 
they may be able to earn a comfortable livelihood 
— it must be the fault of our system of Govern- 
ment, and should be so changed that every person 
willing to work be given employment — that he may 
be able to provide the necessaries of life with his 
own industry, skill and labor. 

It is not nice to criticize, yet it is sometimes 
necessary in order to get things before the people 
that they mav analyze them ; it is not intended for 
harm, but for good. 

If our political form of Government has been 
corrupted by what is known as a money power, 
that would be irrecoverable, and should be return- 
ed to the people in some other form 

And it should be such form as is best adapted 
—it appears to be better adapted, to a Commercial 
form than any other, for the reason it is largely 
Commercial of necessity. 

But our American politicians warn us against 
making any change, lest we go direct to hades, or 
heaven — and few of us care to make the journey 
right now —hence the politicians have us at their 
sweet will, and just how long we will be able to 
hold out depends on our loyalty to our political 
enemies — I use the word enemy because anyone 
taking money they do not earn — from the people 
that have earned it — is an enemy to those people. 
Our politicians would make us believe we are com- 
pletelv at their mercv — their subjects — their slaves 
—and until we ASSERT MANHOOD AND IN- 
DEPENDENCE AVE ARE— and they are not so 
much at fault, looking at it in its entirety and man- 
liness — it is little wonder that our money power 
allow us anything — we do not deserve it in a sense 
of manliness and duty Ave OAve humanity. 

Did anybody ever see one of our scheming 
money lords ever earn a dollar? Or do a day of 
manlv labor? Or do anvthing beneficial for this 



great army of money earners? Or in any way 
benefit the country he plunders for this money? 
If so, notifications are in order. And why is it 
they are allowed to do these things, pile up millions 
upon millions of money — while there are millions 
of industrious people in sore need of it, and unable 
to get it, after earning it. Do these money lords 
control our political Officers, or Representatives in 
Office, to such extent that there be no law that our 
money lords are amenable to? And is it a FACT 
that Ave are compelled as a NATION to acknowl- ' 
edge this, as a result of our last forty-five or fifty 
years of political rule. 

Mr. Humanity, Avhere are Ave drifting? Evi- 
dently to Hades, Heaven or Sherman's version of 
Avar — and I fear the Shermans have it. And to 
say the American people are incapable to detect a 
Avrong Avere to brand us a blind, coAvardly people, 
unfit the name, of SoA r ereign, or unworthy of hu- 
man feeling toward a Avife and little ones. And, 
Avithout a care for good GoA r ernment or a Home. 
] fear we are overzealous in behalf of political par- 
ties in the hope of office or a favor, without reflec- 
tion that to obtain either Avould work hardship on 
others — our LAWFUL dishonest scheming is 
bound to break us up— it has many of our people 
broke noAA^, and I saA r this without fear of contradic- 
tion, i take our own city for proof 

— and other places claim to outdo us in lawful 
plunder, but our own people will bear witness to 
this statement — and it is our laAvs, and political 
officers and schemers that are destroying progress, 
and the liberties of the American people. 

We will have to get doAvn to Truth and Fact 
in order to find Avhere Ave are at, and it is bound to 
hurt many of us. 

You may review the Income Tax Decision by 
the highest tribunal of Law in this country — that 
of exempting large sums of money from the burden 
of tax — and yet, never as much as exempting the 
wage earners wage. And iioav you may drop down 
to our own little city, and jictice what our highest 
trbunal of Law did to on: people — they oi.xlcned 
our people wiih eight or nine niies of exp.ensiv. 
pavement — without as much as by your leave. Some 
of our people having faith in the justice of law 
took it to court, and our laws laughed them to 
scorn — took their money for interference — and they 
now have it to pay. or lose their Homes. Now, 
don't imagine this Fiction — it is Fact — and with 
plenty proof here, and it seems the condition every- 
Avhere I go. and Avithal a law abiding — and Officer 
abiding people. 

Surely this is proof — it is the fault of our sys- 
tem of Government — if our political officers are 
law abiding, and no one has ever accused them of 
not being, and Ave obey our officers as we should 
and this prove not equal — who or what is at fault — 
there can be but one answer — That of our system 

I have had many talks with people over this 
question in the past forty years, it does little good 
to speak of it — politicians a-e apt to make unpatrio- 



Sohn's Booklet 



tic remarks in order to establish their insincerity 
of good citizenship, as with Roosevelt, he went into 
the pademoninm at Chicago personally in charge of 
his own boom for the highest office in United States 
subject to the Republican party — they turned him 
down — he now asks for another Republican party 
to spring up and see if they can get him into office 
— if he were sincere in. good Government, — he 
ROOSEVELT, was in power long enough to des- 
troy every ill this Nation is heir to. No, No, it 
is not that. He. Roosevelt, had the Army and Xavy 
at his command, and he could have done anything 
he wished for, his statesmanship under this system 
of Government is ever the same. We can never €x 
pect better conditions to exist than do exist under 
our svstem of Government, our people have ex- 
hausted all legitimate persuasion at their command 
■ — further they are unable to go without Bloodshed 
AND it is unnecessary, there is ABSOLUTELY 
no need of it, the American people should be more 
intelligent than think of such things— FOR 
SHAME. 

That our money power, and political power, 
will not relax their hold on this country, we ought 
not to be silly enough to expect oi them — yet we 
do not want their unmanly blood to stain our. soil — 
And if our men persist in such cowardly way, I 
suggest we enlist our women in the cause. Our 
Money Lords are not altogether at fault, they sim- 
ply improved the opportunity our system of Gov- 
ernment afforded them. We should be reasonable 
in our demands. 

We elect into office people to make Laws — 
they are politicians — and lawyers — and will not 
work at common manual labor for a livelihood. 
Now honestly — did we expect them to make 
WORKING LAWS? If so, we are too silly to live, 
and under this system of laws, of Government it 
will be ever the same. It matters little what our 
money Lords — Politicians — LaAvyers — or our Offi- 
cers do, so long as they keep within the limits of 
the Law — and they Originator and Maker of the 
Law, know its limit. 

Hence, Builders of Nations are at their mercy. 

Why is it? 

Simply, because we fail to treat humanity as 
it should be treated. 

We know better but are too dishonest to own 
the truth, 

We see about us, Millions of money taken 
from the toil of human labor, through our system 
of political law of Government — yet dare not assert 
the citizenship we boast — that of Fr«eman. 

Is it not plain that our money and political 
Lords respect us less everv dav? And? Are they 
at fault? Xo! No! 

We should respect the men that will come 
out in the open to rob us — it gives the right to ac- 
cept or reject the robbery, nothing can be more 
fair, they simply a-k — that we elect into nower th^ 
men they nominate under their political system oi 
Government — they use no violent means to make 



us vote — that I knoAV of. Now if this system of 
Government is not satisfactory to the American 
people, they should change it; it should be as easy 
a matter to change a system of Government as to 
change our clothes — and probably easier than .for 
some of us. All Governments become corrupt, if 
given long rule, and this, Our beloved, is no ex- 
ception ; hence, it would seem time to change mat- 
ters. Some will say how can we make it better? 
Pray, how can it become more burdensome? 

Somewhere I said we were a Commercial Gov- 
ernment. AND WE ARE. Yet operating as a 
Political Government. 

If nine-tenths of the nations interests in all 
forms are Commercial, why is it, that one-tenth of 
Political interest control it? Are we not a major- 
ity rule people? 

And, if nine-tenths of the American people 
work to earn money, why is it that one-tenth of the 
American people that do not work to earn money 
control it? Are the American people too stupid 
to control the money they earn. 

And, if nine-tenths of the money that moves 
our business from day to da)' be Commercial 
money, why should it not rule the nation — Is not 
the entire nation its Surety? Same as the one- 
tenth of Political Money. 

Surely there must be something wrong when 
a part becomes greater than a whole. 

Let us suppose that every politician now 
howling for office, and every political officer now 
holding office, were to forget to return .to their 
office, or forget to cackle about it, and let us furth- 
er assist this wonderful calamity by allowing every 
Millionaire to box up his money and secure a ticket 
to his favored destination — never to return; what 
difference would it make to the American people 
anyway? Would we not be better off without 
them? Would the Sun cease to shed its rays? Or 
the earth fail of its products? On account of their 
little voyage — or their refusal to hold office? No, 
No, I don't imagine it would cause a ripple on the 
wave of progress of this great Nation. 

When fighting Joe Johnston surrendered to 
Strategy W. T. Sherman at or near Raleigh, N. C, 
we marched to Richmond, Va. Sherman went to 
Washington, D. C, on official matters, but joined 
us at Richmond. The army met him at the station 
— we were so glad to see him we would like to have 
torn him to pieces. He said, "Boys there is no need 
of this : probably there are hundreds of you that 
would make a better General than I if given an 
opportunity." 

And this is my opinion of the affairs of this 
Nation today. , 

It. has always been my observation that when 
things got in a precarious 'state of affairs, that our 
officer? always got in a precatory mood and beseech 
us to untangle it. 

I'm no edict of national affairs, if I were I 
would not be here,— but at our P- d-meniums for a 
piece of Pie. Pespectfullv, 

J. A. SOHN. 



Sohn's Booklet 



The Single Tax — What is it? 



(By Edmon Norton.) 
In Houston Press. Dec. 16th to 28th inclusive, 191 1. 

Friend Norton wishes to abolish one of our 
great evils on the Henry George theory; that a 
part, is greater than a whole. 

Norton claims the burden of all tax, should be 
placed on land only. 

And wishes to exempt all other form of 
wealth from tax, on the theory, that it is the crea- 
tion of society ! By this, it would seem, he does 
not include, the farmer and land owner in his so- 
ciety. 

Let us look at his proposition a little — Norton 
sa y S _all creation of wealth, except that created 
on land belong to society and should not be taxed. 
]f this be true who will till the soil? 

And, why should he till the soil? 

There is not a land owner or farmer on earth 
but knows full well that the farmer and land owner 
is unable to pay debts, as fast as the rest of us can 
create them. 

Let me tell you Mr. Farmer, if you don't want 
a big thing in the way of debt, you had better lee 
Mr. Norton's theory alone. Can you not see the 
progress we are making in debt accumulation? 

Do you know what kind of a compound cathar- 
tic move it would require on your part, to pay debts 
as fast as we would accumulate them? Can you 
not see what you would be up against? 

I will mention a few things that you will be 
slammed up against. 

The Single Tax, properly and judiciously in- 
stalled, means, that land becomes indebted, for all 
legal debt— Citv — State— Nation. 

And this Nation of people are now complain- 
ing of the burden of interest they must pay on our 
present debt. 

Suppose this nation wished to pay its debts 
within the next 25 years, what would be the condi- 
tion of its people, what security have they to offer 
for money enough to pay our present debt, and who 
would assume this debt? Norton says — SingleTax 
would be beneficial to the Money Powers — Money 
Loaners — Bankers — Corporations — Combinations, 
Wage Earners- -Lawyers — Doctors — Merchants. 
etc.. etc. Tn fact everybody will be benefited but 
the men who feed and clothe us, the farmer or land 
owner. 

Mr. Norton fails to tell the farmer or land own ■ 
er where, and how. he is to secure money to oper- 
ate with. Would it not be more proper before assum- 
ing this great debt, to provide a way to pay it? Can 
the farmer pay a debt that the entire nation is un- 
able to pay? Or is a part, greater than the whole? 



It would appear so, were we to adhere to Single 
Tax theory. 

That our tax burden is ever getting harder to 
bear, all must agree, and we are willing to be re- 
lieved of it if some just measure can be devised. 

But to do these things would require a new 
order of things, that our present form of govern- 
ment do not at this time care to adopt. 

But it is safe to predict that this nation of 
people will not sacrifice one of its worthy branches 
of industry by placing the responsibility of ail 
debt upon it. Tf Mr. Norton is really sincere in 
the distribution of debt, why not have every dollar 
pay its proportion of this debt. And then if the 
burden is still greater than the people care to pay, 
reduce the debt until the burden is easy to bear. 

The Henry George, or friend Norton's propo- 
sition of Society Money, I do not understand. I 
am unable to understand the difference between 
society money and other money. 

Suppose two brothers have left to ihem a hun- 
dred thousand dollars or fifty thousand dollars 
each — Norton claims this to be society money, and 
should not be taxed — these two brothers wish to 
invest this money, so> as to receive a revenue from 
it. One of the brothers select to purchase Harris 
County Deep Water Bonds, or Texas Oil Company 
Stock, or Southern Ins. Co. Stock, or Bank Stock, 
Government Bonds, Merchandise, or other Stocks, 
this is Norton's society money and relieved of the 
burden of tax The other brother, takes a different 
view of. things, he thinks it better to go out in Mc- 
Mullen County and buy land on the Nueces or Frio 
Rivers at 7 or 8 dollars per acre. 

We now install the Henry George or Norton 
law of Single Tax. One of the brothers is taxed, 
the other is not taxed, how long could the brother 
with the land, pay both brothers' share of City — 
State — or National debt? 

And this state of affairs would exist all over 
this country. And again suppose as an illustration 
we take J. P. Morgan's and J. D. Rockefeller's 
wealth, and that of the farmers of Texas and Okla- 
homa and see how it will work put into operation. 
Neither Morgan or Rockefeller would exchange 
their holdings for the lands of these two States. 

And under Single Tax, neither Morgan or 
Rockefeller would be required to pay taxes, and at 
the same time, the farmers or land owners of both 
States, Texas and Oklahoma, would be required to 
pay twice the amount of taxes that they formerly 
paid, in order that two wealthy men escape the 
burden of taxation. 

I am frank to admit, that I am unable to se^ 
wherein the unequal division of taxation is just. 

Yours trulv, 

T. A.'SOHN. 



Sohn's Booklet 



What is Government? 



It's the exercise of authority, direction and re- 
straint exercised over the actions of men, in com- 
munities, societies, or states. (Webster.) 

In other words, it is a habit, a custom, largely 
imaginary. 

What proportion of humanity is greatly bene- 
fitted by Government? One in every ten million. 

What proportion of humanity is benefitted at 
all, by Government? One out of every six persons. 

By this method of mathematical calculation 
there are five people not benefitted to where there 
is one benefitted by Government. 

By what name do this one-sixth of humanity 
style themselves. Politicians and Lawyers. 

Do they make the laws and hold the offices of 
Government? Yes! 

This is funny isn't it? How long will an in- 
telligent people submit to such rule of action? As 
long as the one-sixth of humanity can keep five- 
sixths of humanity under their hypnotic power, 
law, or Government. 

But why don't our lawyers and politicians 
change it? Because they are benefited by it. 

But why don't God come down and change it 
for us, won't he ? Oh. Pshaw! He made the Earth, 
and caused it to produce everything beneficial for 
his people, but he utterly refuses to feed them with 
a spoon. 

I have been studying Government for sixty 
years, and sorry to admit that five-sixths of the 
people get no benefit from it, and at the same time 
this same five-sixths support and make the Govern- 
ment what it is. Damn if I know where we are at, 
but I do know, there is something out of gear, 
when a part becomes greater than a whole, wheth- 
er it be a Government, or apple. 

But how are the American people to change it? 
Evidently one-sixth of the American people are not 
interested in any change, they are willing to worry 
along Avith what revenues is earned under the pres- 
ent form of Government. 

Hence, if a change is necessary, it must come 
from the five-sixths of the American people not 
satisfied with existing Government, it would be 
unfair to place our officers in such attitude that 
they be required to allow the revenues earned by 
the people, to revert back to the people, those were 
old customs practiced when I was a boy but not in 
use now. 

And to establish a form of Government that the 
revenues earned, remain with those who earn them, 
is going to work hardship on the* one-sixth of our 
peonle, and they are very liable to object to it, and 
besides, they are influential; it would place them 
on equality with the majoritA r of mankind and this 
they do not care for. 

The desire for political rule increases with its 
salarv, and salary increases with desire; this would 



seem a sure winner, as it benefits either way you 
take it! 

Probably this is why Teddy and Bryan feel 
sore. Teddy can now kill more bear, and Bryan 
continue to sell patriotism, or warm air. 

Government the exercise of authority — Why- 
exercise authority over man. Will some forked 
piece of humanity rear up and tell us, why the Cre- 
ator, created him to exercise his authority over 
man? Or was it his own selfish or dishonest idea 
that prompted him to exercise his authority over 
us, and make us pay him a big fat salary to do so_ 
I fear it is his gall he is blessed with, instead of an 
overload of. Creator's gifts of superiority. 

Now, I do not believe, the Creator has surrend- 
ered His superiority to man, or any particular set 
of men, or that He has bestowed especial wisdom 
on a favored few as they, (our wise ones) would 
have us believe. 

It is well to remember that it requires constant 
guard on the part of our common people, under a 
political Government to see to it, that our politicians 
and officers do not enact laws that burden the peo- 
ple to such extent, that they are unable to comply 
with such iaw, without further involving them- 
selves in debt, to meet the obligations, by forcing 
them to obtain money at money centers in order ta 
meet present needs. 

And these hardships are ever becoming more 
burdensome, it will soon be so that our working, 
people will be completely at the mercy of politicians 
and officers of the law under our political Govern- 
ment. 

It is now an impossibility to get a measure en- 
acted into law favoring the producer of manual 
labor; which is the foundation of every Govern- 
ment, respected by its builders, supporters, or true 
friends. 

A moments reflection, where one familiar with 
the operation of political Government should suf- 
fice. Now, when we say, Government, let it be 
understood, Ave mean it in its true sense, the Exer- 
cise of Authority over this entire Nation of people, 
Avhich means if it means anything, our entire coun- 
try, from Washington, D. C, to our most remote 
or isolated community: hence all are affected by it; 
and Avhat Ave are trying to find out is, is it bene- 
ficial to our people or any portion of them, and if 
so Avhat proportion is benefitted, and to what ex- 
tent, also to Avhat branch of the human family they 
belong. 

At this time there seems a serious conditforr 
confronting our people, that of the burden of Tax, 
to pay our officers, LaAvmakers and -Politicians, ev- 
ery dollar of this money must be produced — hence, 
the producers of money must pay this debt. 

If this be result of political and law rule, wiry 
not abolish it, it Avere ahvays better to abolish a-. 
system that proAe detrimental than follow it to 



8 



Sohn's Booklet 



■bankruptcy, the larger the industry, the more peo- 
ple are affected by it and the more need of a 
change! Is it not always conceded that where 
strife, discord and ill-will predominate that a 
change is necessary? Surely there cannot be any- 
thing more reasonable. 

And to say that our Nation at this time is not 
rank with strife and ill-will, would be to assert a 
folly, nothing could be further from truth. And 
those claiming this, that or other, are men wanting 
highest salary in the land, and if not given them, 
seek other measure to obtain them, as with Roose- 
velt. And is it wonder of this strife under our po- 
litical Government, that the different political par- 
ties are after the large salary, seem all therd is to 
it, at least there is nothing done to benefit the 
State noticeable, yet when election time comes, they 
come around and tell us of many measures they 
have about ready to pass, and if not elected, the 
country will go to the devil. 

One thing is certain, if our officers have in any 
way benefitted the people they omitted to make 
the fact known. 

And are they at fault? Anyone, with reason 
enough, to reason, should know better. How can 
any Officer sent to Washington, D. C, or to the 
■Capital of his State, in any manner help a farmer 
manage his farm, or any mechanic his trade, or any 
merchant his store, or any miner his mine, or any 
telegraph, wireless or otherwise his instrument, or 
any engineer his powerful horse of steam, or any 
pilot of a boat steer his charge with safety, or telT 
any wage-earner on earth where and how he can 
earn money to pay his Officer with ! And you will 
begin to solve the mystery of Exercise of Author- 
ity, direction and restraint, exercised over man or 
of Government. 

Now, do not understand me that order of good 
^citizenship were unnecessary, if so you were never 
more deceived. 1 only wish a better state of affairs 
to exist, I have never been accused of taking too 
much money, or the other fellows earnings — 
(probably opportunity prevented it.) 

In frankness, I ask any officer from President 
of the United States, to common commissioner of 
county affairs, if they are in anyway, under the 
power their office affords able to assist humanity, 
make a livelihood; all must live and all should live 
like sovereigns, at least like honorable men. I am 
not fault finding with our officers. It is the system 
that is at fault, not those occupying the offices, if 
thev be unable to render assistance, we should not 
accuse them of wrong doing, probably they have 
done as others would have done under the system. 

That we have all that is required to make us 
the greatest Nation on earth, we ought not question, 
•our resources are in no way developed, but we 
should develop under a more equitable system, 
under some system we are adapted to by Nature's 
^endowment. Our part of earth, is capable of amply 
'caring for ten times as many people as now occupy 
it, if thoroughly and properly developed. 



Truth is and Truth is eternal. 

We Are Not a Political Government. 

We are by Nature a Nation of Commerce. 
Naturally a commercial Nation, and of right, 
should operate as such, it will give us our own. We 
should be the Star of Plope for the world, our peo- 
ple are capable, and willing under proper Govern- 
ment to execute the will of the most High. 

Good can be accomplished through good, but 
not by compulsion. 

We are a Nation of Commerce by Nature, or 
natural associations, we are unable to be, other than 
what we are, we may say, white is black, we change 
no color by it. 

If a thing be nine-tenths, a certain thing, and 
one-tenth something else, reason compel us to be- 
lieve, the larger should predominate. 

This reasoning should be true in National af- 
fairs, we are at least nine-tenths a Nation of Com- 
merce, yet one-tenth political is in control. It's a 
case of the tail shaking the dog, or for better illus- 
tration, where a part is greater than a whole. 

If nine-tenths of all obligated money required 
to handle the commerce of the Nation, be com- 
mercial money is not the Nation duty bound to pro- 
tect its obligations, same as the one-tenth of our 
political money? and no one will claim this ratio 
overdrawn ! 

And, if nine-tenths of all interests in the United 
States be Commerce, why not make of it a Com- 
mercial Nation, instead of allowing one-tenth of a 
Nation predominate, why not allow the entire Na- 
tion to become interested in its welfare, surely it 
will make of it a stronger and better Nation ! 

Again, if nine-tenths of the American people 
are willing <o produce wealth in all its channels of 
legitimate labor to strengthen commerce, why not 
allow these producers of wealth the right of con- 
trol of their own earnings, instead of manipulation 
taking the greater portion of their toil through the 
exercise of authority over men. Can we hope to 
continue things longer without intelligence? Ought 
we not reason together? Can we hope continued 
strife with a Nation of people, as our political par- 
ties are doing for office, power and money. 

I fear our political parties over-zealous in their 
own behalf, instead of that of the American people. 
I fear they will soon imagine they have been de- 
frauded in election and ask the American people or 
their portion of them, to place them at the money 
counter, through force of arms, or any means that 
will get them there. 

To note their actions at their last two conven- 
tions. Chicago and Baltimore, one would think they 
were ready for almost anything. Pray in what ca- 
pacity did any of these people, ever benefit the 
American people anyway, will they kindly in- 
form us ? 

Or do our lawmakers, politicians, and officers 
imagine that they are self-styled men and money 
rulers^ What have these pandemonian cracklers 
to their credit anyway? If they ever did anything 



Sohn's Booklet 



of credit to the nation or anybody else they ought 
to be able to remember it, and tell us about it, To 
hear them orate one would think they intended to 
do something, as with Roosevelt, he was ruler su- 
preme for four or six years, we thought when he 
got in the Presidential chair, we would go fishing 
in the brook, or to the shade or a summer resort, 
we did nothing of the sort but direct to the cotton 
patch and cornfield. It was fun to watch, him, 
Exercise authority over men— steady now — don't 
tear your shirt. Roosevelt did his duty as Presi- 
dent of this Government, had he plunged every one 
of us into the sea, it were no fault of his, but our 
misfortune, intelligence, should have no Govern- 
ment, but instead a Nation of Commerce. All 
wo~ds have a meaning, a definition, if we murder, 
some one loses his life, if we rule with an iron will, 
someone is ground into the very dust, if we havtr. 
Government the people must expect exercise of au- 
thority over themselves, if we be a Nation of Com- 
merce, we expect an interchange of about every- 
thing we have, goods money, land, labor — see and 
read Webster's definition of it, it will do you good. 

You can then determine what will be the better 
system to live under. 

Why Govern by Government? 

If after one hundred and thirty-six years we 
discover our title of Government not broad enough 
to be beneficial, are we unable to change to a sys- 
tem beneficial to this people? And if so, what are 
your reasons, we are seeking truth or information 
truthful. I know our politicians, laAvyers, and of- 
ficeholders and those expecting to hold office, and a 
few people to see them walking away from you, 
you would think they haven't had a new pair of 



pants since Cleveland ran for president, will say it 
won't do. But real humanity, our commercial, our 
farmers, our tradesmen our inventors, our me- 
chanics, our merchants, doctors, wage earners, in 
fact real humanity is too busy to bother with poli- 
tics, but complain of the burdens they must bear 
by the exercise of authority, direction and restraint 
exercised over them. 

Will some wise politician explain why a part 
is greater than a whole? Weigh your theory, ami 
that of your condition and see where we are at. But 
they will tell us, we represent by sending officers 
to represent us, we do, do we, let's see, we sent 
Owen to represent us and he represented Owen. 
Now, where do we come in, vise politician? But 
you will say, he Owen, ought to do so — hell ought 
to be froze over now, and the chances are it will be 
long before our officers will care for the people who 
feed, clothe and pay them. 

I do not find fault with Senator Owen, he vio- 
lated no law that I know of, he never as much as- 
caused a frown from Government, or the exercise 
of authority over men. 

It is not this, that is at fault. It is our system, 
there are other phases of definition of Government, 
but it is our very nature to do the things that bene- 
fit us most. It has become universal and we look 
on it as a natural law. 

Now I do not care to dwell on this subject 
longer, air are familiar with existing conditions, 
and they will of necessity become more burdensome 
under political rule of Government, of the exercise 
of authority, direction and restraint exercised over 
any Nation of people. Respectfully, 

J. A. SOHN. 



Letter to My Regiment. August, 1911 



My Dear Weeks, and Secretary of Pap Thorn -is 
Pets: 

T am sincerely sorry to decline your invitation 
to your love feast at Bryan, Ohio, Sept- I, 1911. 

It would afford me great pleasure to meet the 
old soldiers who have been victorious over forty- 
live years of civil life, following that memorable 
four years of greatest strife for liberty and free- 
dom known to any people. 

And yet it would require a Lincoln, a Davis, 
a Grant, a Tee, a Sherman, a Stonewall Jackson, a 
Thomas, and even a Francis I Madera, Jr., many 
years to restore the confidence we had in ourselves 
before the Civil War. 

'1 here are many reasons why I should like to 
attend your love feast, and one them is, the ladies 
will be there, and if there are any ladies I would 



care to see, it would be the ladies of Bryan, Ohio. 

For it was the ladies of Bryan who presented 
the 38th O. V. I. with a beautiful flag at our 
regimental ball in their city, and it is to their credit 
that same flag never faltered in battle, other than 
their (the ladies') unbounded loyalty in the cause. 

And now, Boys, Comrades, Soldiers, I have a 
request, or I wish to know, if the ladies of Bryan 
have their Regimental Flag they presented to' us, 
if not, form yourselves into a Regimental Commit- 
tee, appoint Charley Donza orator of the day, and 
send me his speech. (I know the little rascal can. 
make a good one — to the ladies.) 

It was my request, to our late Col. Irvin, at 
Washington Station, where I got off the train 011 
our return home, when I turned the old flag over 
to him, for him to see to it, that the ladies of 
Bryan got their flag returned to them, with court- 



10 



Sohn's Booklet 



esies they so richly deserved, and I feel sure it is 
that way. 

My one regret at not being with you at Bryan, 
Ohio, is in the fact that of late years, I usually go 
South in the winter time. I have small interests 
there, and I like the coast country of Texas for its 
"health, for its business methods, fishing and hunt- 
and its fine climate- 
As an American citizen, I am proud of every 
tnan who has added credit to our country. They 
are my countrymen, and if from the North, I claim 
an interest in your intellectual gods, at the shrine 
•of Lincoln's broad humanity. 

And if from the South, your Lee and Jeffer- 
son, are lords of intellect,, and have added great 
credit to our country, and they are mine as well as 
thine. 

And yet it is a lamentable fact, should we 
•choose to mention grandeur, that is grand, or deeds 
■made noble by their worth, we are compelled to 
;go far back into the history of our land, to select a 
name befitting to this grandeur or nobility. And 



yet we are deserving of such to direct the affairs 
of this great nation. 

But we will not mix politics with grub at our 
love feast. They do not mix well. 

And as our Uncle Samuel, with his goatee 
goat whiskers, and his high water striped pants, 
seems to have made an improvement on our weath- 
er machines, and is grinding out 109 in the shade 
with perfect ease. 1 think it about time to quit 
writing and see if something can't be done. 

We ought to be able to do as well as they did 
in Missouri a few days ago. They met and invoked 
Brother Carter to offer prayer for rain. He said 
he could pray all right, but it was no use while 
the wind was in the north. And today the North 
and South kneel at the grave of Lincoln, their best 
friend. 

The enstrangement is forgotten, they reach 
their hands each to the other, across the tomb, and 
the benediction of God fails upon a re-united peo- 
ple. Yours truly, 

J. A. SOHN. 



Our Acts are Responsible for Our Condition 



This may seem harsh, but how are we to 
.change it. 

It is a natural law, one of these laws we are un- 
able to change. And whoever it is making natural 
law, seem pretty much to have things his own way, 
and it must be supreme. 

I fear this Lord of Creation, whoever he may 
"be, intends to mix it with us— evidently he doesn't 
know us — we're mixing things all the time, and 
have the art under good control, all we have to do 
is to turn one of our political parties loose, they 
will see to it, that Mr. Natural Lawmaker keep off 
•our preserves, and away from our political home or 
hut. 

If by otir acts we place conditions that only a 
few of us care to tolerate, yet all our people sub- 
mit to them without scratching names off of their 
pet party, why is it, that some unknown Creator 
l)utts in and wishes different conditions scattered 
over broad fertile lands and free homes. 

That there is need for better conditions the 

greater number of people will agree, but how are 

we to acquire this, is the perplexing act required 

•of us. And how many of us howling Democrats and 

Republicans, Socialists, Prohibitionists and Popu- 



lists are willing to adopt an action that will place 
us equal, each, in every way, before God and man, 
how many are there of us willing to adopt an action 
of this kind ? Were anyone to outline a code of acts, 
to be practiced by the people, that would place them 
in easy circumstances, they would require the 
money placed in Bank to their credit in case of 
failure. 

We boast this free country — and it is. 

Truth is, and truth is external. We destroy 
our freedom by our own acts, and thereby place a 
bad condition over ourselves and ready to blame 
humanity or anything else with conditions. I will 
write this manuscript from observation, but not 
from literature, and a little of time here may prove 
beneficial. 

In 1887 or '88, Wichita, Kan., celebrated one of 
the great booms of this country. I had lived there 
some 17 or 18 years, all or nearly all were interested 
in making easy money. I stood clear of it until it 
came to a white heat, high financiers, bankers, and 
other friends were industrious in trying to get me 
to take easy money. One morning a neighbor said 
"Jake buy my place" "What is it worth Charley?" 
"$1,000, 5 per cent off for cash good for today only." 



Sohn's Booklet 



11 



Going to my business I told a real estate firm of it, 
on my way home that evening-, the firm handed me 
$50. I took it home, slipped it under my wife's 
plate (I didn't earn it) yet, I would rather the wife 
have it than anyone I knew of. She turned her 
plate with the surprise. What is it? — Boom? Easy 
money? And my $40,000 didn't last 30 days. 

Yet, T do not blame humanity for this act. It 
was my own act that placed me in this condition, 
and if we carefully analyze matters I fear we must 
place most of our ills, acts, and conditions at our 
own door. 

True — It is the age of Plunder, Scheming and 
Graft. And that we will be compelled to fight fire 
with fire, where brains will compete with brains, 
where strategy meet strategy, and lastly if compul- 
sion require it, numbers will meet numbers. 

This seems the order of Creation — in this en- 
lightened age we all know right from wrong, but 
do not care to put it in evidence for the reason it 
would place us in bad standing with our political 
bosses. 

That humanity is now more determined than, 
ever before, to get the other fellows earnings, no 
one will care to deny. We have so completely wove 
and interwove these acts into our condition that 
many of us think it right. 

I will state here, that I have not lost faith in 
our people. We are the grandest Nation of people 
on earth. We have the best part of earth to make 
us so, and we should make good use of it, probably 
this is why the Maker of this great Gift intends to 
mix it with us, if we fail to do our plain duty. 

The work of making this a grand Nation has 
scarcely commenced, we are slow but sure, we 
need a better appetite, one that requires, Beef, 
Pork, Bread and Potatoes, and not one of those 
slow appetites, willing to boycott the producers of 
these things — we will never be able to make a grand 
Nation of this on Turnips and Water. What we 
want is real men, men of highest type of Citizen- 
ship and Honor, men capable of building good sub- 
stantial homes and protecting them against avarice, 
fraud or the devil for that matter. God hates a 
coward and so do our women. 

I fear we are unable to acquire good conditions 
under our form of Government ! As it is under 
complete control of political party manipulation 
and they are in no way capable of bettering con- 
ditions — it is wrong of us to expect it of them. 
Place yourself in their position and you are as pow- 
erless as they. I will ask a few of you a plain easy 
question and don't be backward in your answer. 

Mr. Farmer, do the officers you elect into pow- 
er assist you in raising your crop? Mr. Blacksmith 
do they help you weld a piece of iron or shoe a 
horse ? M'r. Carpenter, do they assist you in the 
manipulation of your tools? Mr. Stockgrower, do 
they tell you what kind of stock is most profitable 
to grow? Mr. Engineer, do they direct you in the 



manipulation of your powerful horse of steam? Or 
Pat, did he ever take your shovel from you while 
you took a cool drink off the handcar? And you 
may mention every industry that is required to 
build a Grand Nation and you will not find a single 
industry where your political boss is helping to bet- 
ter the conditions of this the grandest of Nations. 
Now don't imagine our Political Lords stupid. 
You were never more deceived. They are rather 
too industrious, they jump in and frame our Laws 
without as much as by your 1 leave, and this is the 
shoe that hurts us most, it is the thing that shapes 
the destiny of our Country, it is the Act most re- 
sponsible for conditions. 

Under our laws you may trace our finite act. 
And what condition have we — the present — and 
what are thev — the now existing whether good or 
bad' 

Fact is and fact is hard to destroy. We are 
disloyal to our own interests, and over-zealous in 
behalf of our political enemies. I say enemy be- 
cause I consider anyone an enemy that will lay 
awake nights to concoct a scheme to place his fel- 
low men in bad condition, and by such acts places 
himself in better condition by taking the other fel- 
lows earnings. And again we are disloyal to our- 
selves by not supporting loyal measures — when 
Coxey got to our Capital he was arrested for ad- 
vocating Good Roads and Non Interest Bearing 
Bonds — (some say he was on the grass). Lawson 
spent a fortune to expose theft, robbery, and graft, * 
and. we said, "let 'er go" and its going. 

I sometimes think our Bosses too lenient, we 
deserve less than we get for our disloyalty to our- 
selves, for the privilege of worshipping at the shrine 
of Mammon, greed and graft, in order to play the 
part of slave or serf. If you don't believe this true 
jump out and try. I say try. because you can't do 
it to save your City, State or Nation a great burden, 
if you don't go up a. tree or to jail your fortunate. 

I believe somewhere I said I would write this 
manuscript from observation. I omitted to say, 
through force of circumstance. At the time I 
should have attended school I was industriously 
wielding the ax-grubbing hoe and brush scythe, 
clearing a farm in Northwestern Ohio. Liberty 
came at the age of 19 in the shape of war with our 
Southern neighbors. I determined to save the 
country, it took four lengthy years to starve them 
into submission. At the end of that time our worthy 
chieftain. Abraham Lincoln informed us that a 
more serious condition confronted us than that of 
black men obeying white masters — that large cor- 
porations were forming to control the money of 
our country. This was forty-eight years ago. Has 
any of our Political Lords raised his voice, hand or 
sword to check the oendition? 

Will it be, as it ever has been, that the people 
must do these things? 

Wait and see. Respectfully, 

J. A. SOHN. 



12 



Sohn's Booklet 



Why is Living High? 



Some of the reasons why this high price of liv- 
ing is, the people do not care to live otherwise, it 
is not our nature to have things cheap, we are con- 
stantly boosting prices on everything, and call it 
progressive. (To live cheaply; all would be com- 
pelled to work.) And this we don't care to do, we 
would pay even higher prices than we now pay 
rather than to work, we will do anything you wish 
of us, if you do not compel us to work, it is not 
our nature to work, and any nation of people that 
wish to adopt a cheap mode of living can do so, it 
is not an American idea in any sense or act. We 
are willing to admit, if all were to work, that living 
and everything else would be very cheap, but why 
have cheap living, it would compel us to leave the 
city life we enjoy so much, and go to the country 
to grow and produce the things we eat and wear, 
in order to make it cheap, and how many of us' 
are willing to do these things, we would be com- 
pelled to work in heat, cold, wind, sunshine, or 
rain if necessary, in order to get a cheapet liveli- 
hood, and at the same time it would destroy the 
very sunshine and happiness of our lives. 

We prefer city life, with its diversified oppor- 
tunities to get rich, to that of the country for a 
cheaper livelihood. There is nothing attractive 
about country life, very little sociability or society, 
and no opportunity to get rich quick at all, we love 
opportunities to make monc-y and not work for it, 
and the country does not afford such opportunities. 
We love to hold office, it places us above working 
people, and afford"? many opportunities to get rich, 



that can not be obtained otherwise, and to have 
the peop'o elect us into high position is evidence 
that they expect us to oe.upy such position or of- 
fice to tU J l'<-'sl of our abUiiv. and should we fail 
ii: this, i! is no fauit of the j s.ople, fo: they gave 
us the opportunity we were looking fo: and if we 
fail to get rich it is no fault of the voter, or the 
law, as it generally sustains the dignity of office. 
For comparison, you may take any officer, city, 
county, or state and notice his daily life and ap- 
pearance, to that of the man in the country, raising 
hogs, cattle, horses, mules, wheat, corn, oats and 
rice, potatoes, cabbage, beans and tomatoes, and 
you will readily see why we do not approve of 
cheaper living, the comparison of the two individ- 
uals is proof enough, the officer is well paid, nicely 
dressed, noticed and respected by all, and enter- 
tained in fashionable society, while the man in 
the country, working to make us a cheaper living 
is not so well paid, poorly dressed, and we do not 
associate with him unless we want his vote or a 
favor of him. The above illustration shows us 
plainly why we do not have cheaper living. There 
are many more reasons equally as true and forceful 
and were we to enumerate all the reasons why we 
do not approve of a cheaper livelihood, it would 
make too large a book. 

True, there are some of us who are woiking 
for the corporations, and the combinations, and 
confiscations, but their labor is preferable to that 
of going to the country to grow something to eat 
or to wear. 

J. A. SOHN. 



Brazoria County's Wealth 



Mr. J. A. Sohn Writes and Tells Us of Our Great 
Waterways. 

(Velasco World, June 8, 1912.) 

Bl Reno, Okla., June 1. 

Were the people of Brazoria County to utilize 
its gifts of Nature in the development of agricul- 
tural pursuits, it would be marvelous. 

Nature has given Brazoria County several 
million dollars worth of navigable waterways. It 
is impossible for any other county in the State to lay 
claim to such a possession. And were man author- 
ized to construct as many miles of navigable wat- 
erways in Brazoria County, as Nature has provid- 
ed it with, it would be a difficult matter to im- 
prove on it. 

Naturally the best producing soil borders on 
our rivers, creeks and bayous, and Brazoria County 
has the best and cheapest thoroughfares in the 
world. 



We now know that the Inter-Coastal Canah 
constructed by Uncle Sam, is an assured fact, and 
to be completed between Galveston and Matagor- 
da this year, 1912. 

There should be no delay from people owning 
lands contiguous to the waterways in organizing 
into a mutual, co-operative way, so as to own, op- 
erate and control the boats that carry their pro- 
ducts to market. Such a scheme will place the 
markets of the world at their very door, and wii? 
cost the farmer living along these waterwavs little 
to carry his products to the markets at the differ- 
ent ports by boats at any season. By this process 
of water navigation the farmer can reach any mar- 
ket, and the proper man, stationed there, can direct 
the output of that section so as to insure best re- 
sults to the farmer at little cost Then, and not 
till then, can the farmer or producer hope for con? • 
plete success, that he may be permitted in a way 
to gather the fruits of his labors without master 



Sohn's Booklet 



13 



At the present time there is nothing to hinder Bra- 
zoria County farmers from doing these things. 
Their land will then come into a value 
they do not now possess, and every person in the 
county should become interested in such matter. 
It will greatly assist in the development of the 
prairie land and stability to the entire county. 

Do you know how many miles of navigable 
water Brazoria County has, not including the Gulf 
of Mexico? I will say by information of Coi. 
Douthit and R. R. Foster of Angleton, and your 
county map, that you now have at least 250 miles. 
And every mile of this waterway is equal in value 
to a mile of surfaced shelled road. This may not 
sound good to the man with an automobile, but 
it is true and easily demonstrated in an agricultur- 
al way. You may take two farms, 160 acres each, 
the one on the prairie where you build shell roads, 
the other on the Bernard or Brazos River, Oyster 
Creek. Bastrop or Chocolate Bayou each facing its 
thoroughfare in the same manner, and using on 



each same amount of money, energy and push and 
note the revenue received from the:.e two farms. 
This will demonstrate the proposition on the differ- 
ent thoroughfare. 

Ail will admit that the most needful thing is a 
way to market products, the cheaper being the 
better way. Suppose as an illustration this idea 
were in operation at this time. Brazoria County 
were loading into boats the products of five hun- 
dred miles oi its richest and best producing land 
facing on navigable water, and you have this. The 
results would be that your county would be adver- 
tised over the broad land and people everywhere 
wanting to know what it is like. 

It must be remembered that the Inter-Coastal 
Canal is one of Texas' great achievements. It gi"ves 
to the people an opportunity to revolutionize the 
entire coast country of Texas, and to join it with 
Nature's endowment to Brazoria County, make of 
it a splendid field for labor. Yours truly, 

J. A. SOHN. 



War as a Theme 



The lesson that war teaches should be studied, 
or thought out by every person. 

It is the greatest life destroying agent known 
to humanity. 

Therefore, the people owe it more thought, 
study or consideration than any other thing. 

War — as with everything else, can only be 
averted by conditions. 

Will the people allow these conditions to exist? 
If so, then war will cease, if not, war will remain 
with the people as long as conditions demand it. 

And what condition do people demand to avert 
war? 

Tustice meeted to the people, by the people. 

If such conditions exist, there could be nothing 
to war about, and the name of war would soon be- 
come unknown. 

Will the people ever do these things, it would 
require a new order of action throughout the world, 
to get the people to each deal fairly with the other. 
Rather than do this, the people have preferred war; 
knowing it to be impossible to avert it when con- 
ditions demand it. 

And how are we to bring about this new order 
of things, if the people are opposed to it 

Then it is an impossibility and can't be done, 
and you will be compelled to revel in war no mat- 
ter how destructive it is to life, or the) welfare of 
the nation. 

It is for the people themselves to study out an! 
adopt a better condition under which to live, it will 
require much study and enlightenment of the peo- 
ple, and to qualify themselves for a change of this 
kind, will demand of each person his support to the 
cause. 



The condition of things will bring about the 
required, results, when fully understood by the peo- 
ple, they will then adopt measures that will be bene- 
ficial to all the people. 

The great trouble heretofore has been with 
people not taking time to inform themselves of the 
condition that existed throughout the entire land, 
and the condition lias become so burdensome that 
they are compelled to adopt measures that will re- 
lieve the situation; and Avhen the people have care- 
fully studied out this matter there will be manv 
good forms of government to select from, there 
should be no' jealousy on the part of the people, in 
selecting a form that would be beneficial to all the 
people. 

Should our nation be first to adopt a form of 
government equal in every way, in truth, and in 
practice, it would b'e the grandest, the most power- 
ful nation on earth; every individual a patriot, each 
fearing nothing, willing to do any duty, that his peo- 
ple would be foremost in the cause of rieht 

True? Those, possessing large sums of money, 
earned by other people, and those who do not care 
to earn money or a livelihood by their own labor, 
will oppose equity and justice. 

But there is a power, not controlled or in- 
fluenced by the people that we must submit to, no 
matter how distasteful it may be. 

As an illustration take Mexico. 

In November, 1910, they were promised better 
conditions, if they would elect other men into pow- 
er ! This was done October 1st, 1911, less than one 
year. And it now remains for a betterment of con- 
ditions to avert a continuance of war, should the 
people elected into power make good their promise, 



14 



Sohn's Booklet 



and the people receive the benefits they are entitled 
to, then Mexico will have established peace with 
its people. 

At this present time, October, 191 1, there seems 
plenty warfare in the land. China, with its millions 
of people are demanding better conditions, and are 
warring with their powerful Rulers to obtain them. 

Turkey and Italy are at sword points, each to 
obtain better conditions over the other. And there 
are many different kinds of warfare,, being carried 
on in all nations at this time. Is there no way to 
check it? Are the rulers of nations unable to rule 
their people longer under present conditions? If 
so. why not change conditions so as to satisfy the 
people. They must remember that with the progress 
of time, enlightenment has advanced equally as 
fast! And what a people tolerated and thought 
best 50 or 100 years ago, will not satisfy their ad- 
vanced ideas of civilization today, they demand the 
right of progress everywhere, and to every individ- 
ual entitled to it. These are some of the conditions 
demanded by people in all nations, and there can 
be no exception taken to them as it is a God-given 
right, that all living creatures should be given fair 
treatment. 

There is no disposition on the part of the ma- 
jority of the people anywhere to check progress, 
thev expect advancement everywhere and under all 
conditions, and are willing to battle for them. 

And it is only reasonable that the Rulers of 
Nations expect this, they could have little regard 
for their people if they did not think them capable 
to give battle for their rights. 

The greatest mistake is in the Rulers allowing 
conditions to exist that require their people to go to 
war, in order to establish good principals. It is the 
very nature Of people and will remain so, until the 



end of time to have good conditions, there is no 
power to avert it but the power that gave it, and 
that pOAver is unchangeable, at least as far back as 
history or memory teaches us, we are unable to de- 
fine any change in Nature's laws ! And this order 
of things is right as it is progressive, and the sooner 
we adopt these measures, the sooner we will realize 
a condition that is impossible to war against. 

It must be remembered, this war nature, is not 
confined aione to the human family, its prevalence 
is noticeable everywhere. You may take the most 
vicious animals, the lion, tiger, panther, bear, or 
wolf, and let his condition be as he would prefer it, 
with comfortable nest or bed and plenty to eat, and 
he will not war with you or anything else unless 
molested. 

If this be true of the wild beast, can the Rulers 
of Nations expect of their people a submission, that 
the wild beasts of the forest will not submit to? 
Do they not realize that in creation all are equal? 
Do they not know that the same feeling exists in 
every person : - 

And if so, it would seem that all Rulers of Na- 
tions would seek to obtain such conditions that 
their people would refrain from the pestilence of 
Avar. 

It Avould seem an easy matter at this enlight- 
ened age, the people understanding full Avell the 
destruction to life, property, and the welfare of a 
nation, what the result of war would mean, for a 
nation to engage in one, that all Avould unite on a 
code of action that would be beneficial to such na- 
tion. 

Will the people ever get close enough to re- 
spect each others wishes, if so, they have defeat- 
ed Avar. Respectfully. 

J. A. SOHN. 



Letter to J. W. Jenkins 



Angleton, Texas, Feb. 22, 1912. 

J. W. Jenkins, El Reno, Okla. : I will make 
good my promise as to my outings. I left Hous- 
ton, Jan. 2j. at Angleton 25, Qpintana 27 and 28, 
Alia C. Hotel or Cornett home at mouth of San 
Bernard RiA T er, 29 to Feb. 18, returned to Velasco 
and remained there until 20th, and came to Angle- 
ton Avhere I expect to remain for at least ten days. 

While on this little outing I saw much that 
interested me. The one most interesting" thing; is 
the ship channel or inland watenvay noAV under 
construction by Uncle Sam, and to be completed 
Jan. i, 1013. 

At Velasco I met John Jacobson, who has the 
contract for making this canal from Galveston Bay 
to and into Matagorda Bay, a distance of 35 miles, 
that is necessary to excaA^ate, the canal to be 70 
feet wide and to carrv six feet of water at low tide 



I spent a day in Mr. Jacobson's company while in 
Velasco looking OA'er his dredge boat, "Velasco, ' r 
newly remodeled into a suction from a dipper 
dredge. His other boat is a suction dredge named 
"Matagorda," and is AA^orking from Matagorda Bay- 
east. Avhile the Velasco Avorks Avest from the Brazos 
RiA^er. 

Jacobson is a pleasant, industrious wide-aAvake 
man. ever ready to explain matters of interest. 
While at Velasco he took me for a little ride down 
the Brazos to his canal, the jetties, lighthouse and 
the newly constructed Avhan r es that are 450 feet 
long and which are noAV ready for use. 

This canal will, in my opinion, be one of Texas' 
greatest achieA^ements. It will place within reach 
of the people a safe navigable waterway that wilt 
greatly improve all coast operations, especially that 
of fish and oysters. And, Jenks, do you know,. 



Sohn's Booklet 



15 



while at the mouth of the Bernard River, in a low 
tide. I could walk over acres of oyster reefs. 
Enough oysters can be had to plant the entire tide 
waters of the Texas coast country, which, in a few 
years, would supply the oyster market of the 
United States. And the fish industry will receive 
nearly as great a benefit. 

And there is another large industry now be- 
ing put into operation down here — that of the 
Bryan Heights sulphur field. Bryan Heights is 
located half way between the Brazos and the Ber- 
nard Rivers, and about two miles from the Gulf. 
It is a ridge of land about twenty feet higfh and 
there is about 1500 acres of it. The sulphur bed is 
from 80 to 90 feet thick and about 1000 feet below 
the surface. A New York syndicate has recently 
purchased it and a part of the country adjoining — 



10,000 acres — paying for same $450,000. They arc 
now working a large force of men in developing it. 
I have been over the property four different limes 
personally. The New York and Velasco steamer 
"Honduras" is to be here in ten days with the first 
load of machinery. When I last was on the prop- 
erty they had the excavating done for the power 
house. A large amount of sand and gravel for con- 
crete, and many tons of pipe are 0:1 the ground. 
There are eight or ten wells bored to the sulphur 
bed. 

Fearing that you may tire of this lengthy let- 
ter, I ask your indulgence and wish you would tell 
me what kind of a winter you have up there, as 
every northern breeze we get down here chills us. 

Yours truly, 

J. A. SOHN. 



Advocates Smaller Farms for Better Tillage 



(Ei Reno Democrat, June 12, 1912.) 

Were one to note the action of our Oklahoma 
farmer, he would, forever, bar the idea, that, a few 
people would like big business; but instead, would 
be compelled, to grant, the Oklahoma farmer, right 
of way. 

Just why he insists on big business I can't 
say — and doubt if he is able \.o explain his own 
foolishness in a manner beneficial to himself. 

ADd why our highwater pants boss, (Uncle 
Sam) insists on his lovely American sovereigns ac- 
cepting a 160 acres (or nothing), I do not under- 
stand. 

Farming is only profitable when it is well 
done, no matter how much, or how little you do — 
if it is not properly or well done, you will find with 
regret that it is not profitable. 

How large a farm can the average man farm? 
To hump himself and do it well — I should say that 
40 acres, well tilled, will be about all that any of 
us care to do — and many of us would shirk the duty 
of doing even that much, as it should be done. 

Now, we have some farmers — that will rear 
up — and try to shake the bit out — (don't do it), you 
shall have a free rein, to measure your ability with 
that of J. P. Morgan — (or the world for thar 
matter) : what we are trying to get at is of better 
conditions — and if four families each make as much 
on 40 acres and with less expense, than either fam- 
ily of the four could have made, if compelled to 
farm the entire 160 acres— I think this good enough 
to adopt ; if for no other reason than allowing four 
times as many people a cheaper livelihood. 

Look at what our high-striped pants boss did 
Nov. 16th, iqio. He advertised and sold to the 
highest bidder the Cheyenne and Arapaho reserva- 
tion of about 10.000 acres, and to induce people to 
come and buy. he gave it out that land adjoining it 



was worth $100 per acre. True enough — if it were 
in cultivation, and good land, in alfalfa, with other 
good improvements. 

But the sovereign took it at three times its real 
value. And .Mr. Striped Pants is honor bound to 
allow him time to pay for it! This demonstrates 
the fact that our land is too high for revenue. 

It seems a difficult matter for the people of Ok- 
lahoma to determine the value of land ; its true 
value is its product, hence, it has no fixed value. A 
man may own 40 acres of good land, let it remain 
in native grass, and receive $2.50 per acre for pas- 
turage per year, which is its value to him, or he 
may put it in cultivation and alfalfa and receive 
$50 per acre each year, which is its value under 
different conditions. 

A farmer has little time for artificial improve- 
ment that has a 150 acres of land 
to manage, and, usually, it is the ar- 
tificial improvement that makes the farm 
valuable, hence the man with 40 acres has four 
times as much time for artificial improvement as 
the man with a 160 acres; the man with 40 acres 
will have all he can do to condition it, so as to be 
reasonably sure of a crop, while the man with a 160 
acres finds himself overburdened to do these things, 
and usually will rely on the season for his crop, 
and if it fail him, it is God's fault, not his. And the 
man that will not condition his land for crops, but 
deliberatelv sets down and waits for God to engrage 
in agriculture, will never need buy any farm ma- 
chinery. 

Were Oklahoma land thickly populated, it 
would be an easy matter, for them to store enough 
water to insure bountiful crops for its people every 
year: if the arid portions of the western states had 
Oklahoma's land and water, they would utilize it, 
and be prosperous and content, while most of us 
here are scraping with the Creator for not creating 



16 



Sohn's Booklet 



our crops, while Ave enjoy the shade and a cool 
bottle. 

The arid sections of the west are compelled to 
pay twice as much to store water as it would cost 
in this state, and their land not as productive and 
strong as ours. If a few of our farmers were un- 
fortunate enough to have a dream that they were 
of more importance to us than the Supreme Court 
was to the income tax law, things would be differ- 
ent in Oklahoma. 

But it is well to remember the theory of proper 
progress and carefully investigate matters of im- 
portance, such as- irrigation or the storage of water. 

All will admit of its usefulness for the past two 
years in Oklahoma, but it should be beneficial as a 



whole, and would be under a system of small farms. 
I do not here wish to advocate that it is unprofita- 
ble to irrigate large tracts of land, it is, but it re- 
quires large sums of money to hire people to do 
these things, and when done, these people would 
of necessity be idle, as one man can manage a large 
amount of water where a good system of irrigation 
is installed. 

But the small farmer without a large bank ac- 
count can install his own system jointly with his 
neighbor, and operate it, and by so doing many 
farmers will produce more of the necessaries of 
life than a few big business people will produce. 

Respectfully, 

J. A. SOHN. 



Letter to Col. Thos. E. Douthit 



Houston, Texas, May 3rd, 1912. 
Col. Thos. E. Douthit, Angleton, Texas. 

I note the many nice things you said to me on 
the 15th. 

I spent ten days in looking over the future of 
Galveston and Houston's Deep \Vater,propositions. 
Candidly. I can't understand why Houston is vot- 
ing such heavy debt on Harris County. 

I saw no place suitable for a Harbor for Hous- 
ton, closer than San Jacinto Bay, twenty or twenty- 
five miles from Houston proper, they would be 
compelled to use literag, or go to great expense 
for rail facilities, and then be some thirty miles 
from deep water at Galveston, I imagine the people 
will soon tire of deep water propositions every- 



where, it will break them up. They are unable to 
build and retain them everywhere that land sharks 
may select, in order that they sell their land. Galves- 
ton and Texas City combined and control the situa- 
tion as regards deep water — or a suitable place to 
expend money for a harbor, they have the facilities, 
room enough to construct wharfage for the entire 
world at little expense, and our railroads meet them 
on even facilities, at little expense to them. It 
ought not be the purpose of our Government to 
politic everything, they should use sense and judg- 
ment in matters of importance. 

Colonel, I expect to return to El Reno, Okla- 
homa, in a clay or so, and always glad to hear from 
you. Regards to your people. 

Yours truly, 

J. A. SOHN. 



A Partial Review of El Reno 



In the early days of El Reno, as today, we 
wished for a prosperous City. And we allowed a 
few selfish people to manage affairs, instead of do- 
ing it ourselves, and pay them tribute. 

The location of El Reno was envied by Okla- 
homa City, Guthrie, and Shawnee, and the only 
competing places in the early settlement of Oklaho- 
ma Territory. And they had good cause to be jeal- 
ous for we had good agricultural land, the Rock- 
Island and Choctaw railroads, Fort Reno, Chey- 
enne and Arapaho schools with headquarters for 
both tribes of Indians at Darlington, only five miles 
away. 

This was enough to.arouse their ire, as they 
had only good land, water, sky, and the aerial re- 
gion above. 

But our selfishness got busy and went to gob- 
bling, a thing they wax warm to and never tire. 
It is now about twenty-three years, since the 



fathers of City construction conceived the idea of 
building a metropolis on this favored location. 

This view taken Tune 15th, 1912 and >/cry hot, 
dry, and dusty, and no one but an enthusiast on the 
progress of a City would care to review it under 
such circumstances. 

To facditate matters, we will select a name be- 
fitting our achitects of Modern Construction, and 
the one most in evidence should be taken,, which 
without question is Commercial Club, hence the C. 
C. has it, and we will ignore all the aliases it has 
been heir to - and their first startling victory that 
of capturing Frisco's county seat with part of the 
5th U. S. Cavalry, then stationed at Ft. Reno. 

And Friscoans are yet unable to understand 
why we think so well of the blue coats. 

With the capture of the county seat they took 
courage to build a City, would push the Choctaw 
east and the Rock Island south, industriously gath- 



Sohn's Booklet 



17 



er in the Blue Coats money, as well as that of John's 
and Mariah's, (Indians.) This bit of strategy of de- 
ception, early in the history of El Reno taught out 
C. C. or its manipulators a lesson we shall always 
regret — that of getting money at the expense of its 
citizen. 

Tl is a great mistake for a City or Community 
to make. 

It weie always better for any community, to 
allow its money to remain in possession of the 
people who have earned it. 

A City or Community will always receive 
greater benefit out of ability to earn money, than 
they can get out of ability to deceive people out 
of it. 

In the former the wealth is in the possession 
of the people that have earned it. and in justice it 
is theirs, of right to own and control, and it is so 
divided that every person has his (what should be") 
lawful due. 

But in the latter only a few people get un- 
earned money, (or, money earned by others toil), 
it is not an honorable or desireable way to get 
money, and those that seek such method to obtain 
it. do not as a rule, distribute it so as to be bene- 
ficial to a City or Community. Unfortunately we 
are poor, and unable to keep up this unman! v 
method, of getting money, while those in better cir- 
cumstances, position, and power do not seem to 
care for the burden placed on others, so long as 
they receive the money. 

True, T presume, they pay those who assijt 
them in many ways of defrauding the public — i: 
not. it is no loss, as they deserve nothing and it 
were better for humanitv if they starve, and we 



ought not blame the manipulation of greed if he 
never gave them a coppin. 

It is here stated, this article has no grievance 
of our present Administration but always willing 
to allow them to demonstrate their ability to 
govern. 

Our greatest trouble so far has been, too many 
Regrets, and too few Revenues, too much Law and 
too little Labor. 

Our Regrets chiefly consist of Booms, Bonds, 
Bonus, Buildings and Buildings Sites — we boom 
to deceive, we vote bonds to get in debt, we giv^ 
bonus to assist the rich, we build factor}-, mill and 
plants to satisfy the greed of others, we select 
building sites scatterbrain, and these of necessity 
have caused few Revenues. 

I said too much Law, I meant something else. 
I remember of hailing Bob Forest on the street 
and asking him if there was no way to head off 
that famous water works bond. He frowned and 
said. We don't want any law. I thought Bob wasn't 
well and called on W. M. Wallace and he informed 
me I would have to go out of town for information, 
or word to that effect, so I beg indulgence in re- 
gard to law. 

And as regards Labor, our homes and the en- 
tire world can bear witness. 

Now in regard to this little manuscript. Some 
may take exception to it. it is their privilege. If 
it is false it should have no credence, and if true 
it may do good. Truth is external, it was not born 
and cannot die. Bury it with falsehood and ignor- 
ance it is impossible to destroy it. It lives in every 
flower — when Heaven and Earth shall pass away, 
it will remain the same. Respectfullv, 

T. A. SOHN. 
El Reno, Okla.-, Tune. ion. 



Letter to J. W. Gornett 



TEXAN IN OKLAHOMA. 

Mr. J. A. Sohn Writes His Friend, J. W. Cornett 
Some Interesting Matter for Brazoria 
County People. 
(Welasco World, May 25, 19] 
El Reno, Oklahoma, May, the Memorable 13th 
day and 13th Hour of the Money Power of the 
Great Nation in the Year 191 2. 

My Dear J. W. Cornett and Family: — At the 
confluence of the beautiful Sail Bernard River, 
wi'h the great Gulf of Mexico and on the bank of 
Uncle Sam's famous Inter-Coastal — made so for its 
oysters and fish and the beautiful scenery it af- 
fords, to say nothing about revolutionizing the en- 
tire coast country of Texa>. 

After being torn away from your palatial home 
on account of that little land sale of mine. I was 
water or money bound, for seven weeks in your 



grand old county seat of Angleton, and made the 
acquaintance of many good people. 

It was then too late to return to your place and 
J went back to Heavenly Houston and met my ene- 
mies and friends for an International Deep Water 
Harbor, and after a few days of lost endeavor in 
trying to persuade them not to do this I went to 
Galveston and Texas City to see what they had to 
offer the American Sovereign for an International 
Harbor. It appears as though they have the whole 
cheese— wind, water and land. They claim the sun 
will lose its grandeur long before the dear people 
can utilize all they now have platter for that pur- 
pose — and it looks it. 

And say- What's the matter with the Swen- 
son and associates of New York, slipping in at the 
mouth of the Brazos, while the entire country is 
watching Taft and Teddy shovel mud. and do Die 
real thing in the way of harbors. Thev hold in 



18 



Sohn's Booklet 



the hollow of their hand (quite a nice hand) tht 
grandest river for a harbor in the state of Texas. 
Why not build there the harbor or harbors? The 
jetties are already there and the flashlight is flash- 
ing, and the grand old river is smiling for some- 
thing to do. 

I can see no reason, since they have fallen 
heir to this grand opportunity, of not making of it 
one of the greatest harbors in the world. They 
can now ply the grand Brazos to Columbia, or bugle 



out through the jetties in to space and water, and 
in a feAv short hours be tooting their horn in the 
big ditch. 

Now, J. W., keep me posted in regard to the 
things soon to be pulled off in your vicinity as they 
are of no small concern. 

Wishing you and yours a nice, pleasant and 
prosperous season. I am yours truly, 

J. A. SOHN. 



Regimental Letter 



El Reno, Okla.. Aug. 1912. 

My Dear Weeks and Secretary of the 38th Ohio 

Veteran Volunteer Regiment, Comrades, Coun- 
trymen and Citizen. 

Tie counting is not as good as in ye olden 
times, hence I beg your indulgence in not being 
able to be with you at your Reunion, and shall ask 
gratitude for being brief. 

It is now some forty-seven years since I care- 
fully furled the Flag of our Regiment and handed 
it to (Col. Irvin) at Washington Station where I 
got off of the train on our return home, to assume 
a life of more complete Liberty. 

And those of us permitted to do so, thought 
at the time, that we had destroyed our Country's 
greatest slave master. We were not as close ob- 
servers as that of our great chieftain (Abraham 
Lincoln) in observing that a greater Crisis was in 
store for the American people than that of the 
Southern Black People obeying White Masters. 

That large corporations were forming, to tak-: 
control of the money of our country, and that it 
would place us in a more disagreeable position than 
that of the Blackman of the South. 

Now boys, let me say right here, and now I 
propose to pin my faith to this people no matter 
what disposition be made of our money. 

It is claimed by our able writers that no man 
can be a patriot on an empty stomach, or that a 
country is secure where people beg their bread. I 
don't believe it is going to work in this man's coun- 
try. At least, it failed at the besiegement of Chat- 
tanooga, hunger and starvation made of us better 
patriots (yet we didn't. court it). Quarter rations 
taught us to fight above the clouds. It taught us 
to storm the strong fortifications on Mission Ridge. 
It taught us to take cowpeas and corn bread right 
now, and we took them, we needed them in our 
business. This was not intentional on the part of 
our Generals, God bless them, they were the best 
men on earth, they only intended to manouver us in 
the open to keep us from eating each other, or to 
make General Bragg believe we would attack him, 
that he would muster his forces that would give us 



opportunity to get in an army train of provisions. 
At this, (our own battle) when headed for Johnny's 
corn bread we went some. Our Generals were un- 
able to stop us. General Grant rode up to Generai 
Thomas, and demanded to know who sent those 
men up there. Thomas replied, "it seems as though 
they are doing it of their own free will." Grant re- 
plied "if it proves fatal someone will get this blame" 
and rode away. Boys, right there we taught the 
world a lesson, gained a victory and saved one of 
our best Generals the humiliation of Court Martial. 

Hunger, Starvation .and Quarter Rations in 
this battle were in command and it is liable to com- 
mand in this money craze or force, yet, you can't 
make me believe, we are headed to Hades and de- 
termined to starve. Too many of us like sowbelly 
and corn bread, but as long as you can make us 
chumps believe this country will go to the devil 
unless Ave aline ourselves with this, that, or the 
other political party, that long you will be under 
the money Bosses — their subjects or slaves (but 
not sovereigns). 

View it in whatever light you will from Presi- 
dent Taft to Mayor Duffy, and you will ever 

find it the same. (Mayor Duffy is our whortleberry 
El Reno's Emerald). 

Will the people ever realize — all have a right 
to live properly — if not they may throw their hats 
as high as they care, fracture a lung, whoop their 
very loudest to elect men to place over themselves 
— then go to the cornfield or potato patch, and look 
at the near end of Tom or Bill; until he has earned 
the money with which to pay them, instead of tak- 
ing a clay off to acquaint himself with Wife and 
Little Ones, or go to the Grove or Brook, and enjoy 
God's Natural Gifts. 

Let me tell you boys, this fetich or foolish wor- 
ship of men or money is wrong and as long as the 
people place it uppermost in act or deed they will 
find men to take advantage of their misfortune or 
ignorance. 

It were better to get a little hungry, it will cause 
us to reflect, and find a way out of the dilemma. 

I fear, I'm like the fellow that could lick his 
weight in wild cats, could lick anybody in town, 



Sohn's Booklet 



19 



could lick anyone in the count)'-, could lick any man 
in the State. Biff — a fellow took and floored him, 
scrambling to his feet said, boys I'm all right, but 
took in too much territory. 

Now, boys, I wish we could all meet at the mouth 
of San Benard River in Texas, this winter, at the 
Alia C. Hotel, on the bank of the River and only 



600 feet from the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexi- 
co and on the bank of Uncle Sam's Inter Coastal 
Canal where at low tide, you could walk over acres 
of fine oysters, catch plentv of fish, shoot all the 
wild geese, clucks, and snipe you want, I could 
safely saw It's on me. Respectfullv, 

J. A.'SOHN. 



Why Follow Deceptions 



Does it not always deceive and g*t you into 
trouble? 

Do you not know that it is an impossibility to 
follow deception and accomplish anything? 

Is there a man alive today so stupid and silly as 
to think himself capable of outwitting humanity or 
deception? 

If there be such deception crawling around on 
earth today, God pity them, as there is no part of 
of humanity that will so far forget themselves as to 
offer a semblance of pity. 



Anyone lost to reason and who so far forgets him- 
self as to attack our artisans of deception, I pity him! 
Humanity should pity him! He is deserving all the 
pity he can get; and anyone f especially in the wesU 
with tiny doubt as to the power of deception that 
will take the trouble to invoice his surroundings 
and not find himself outgeneraled can have one of 
my booklets free, — barring artisans.' 

Were we in reality what nature intended we 
should be, an industrious, working nation of com- 
merce, "the peopie law," instead of "law the people," 
we would be the grandest and most powerful nation 
of people in the world. 



Definitions 



A few brief definitions of Webster will greatly assist us in defining what we are. 

GOVERNMENT. 



Control; Regulation. 

Men are apt to neglect the government of their 
temper or passion. The exercise of authority; di- 
rection and restraint exercised over men; adminis- 
tration of public affairs, according to constitutional 
law, and usages, or by arbitrary edicts. Regula- 
tion of social actions — either written or unwritten, 
by which the rights of citizens and public affairs 
are described and defined. As a Monarchical or 
Republican Government. 

Political. 

Pertaining to policy, government or its ad-. 
ministration, political power or authority — wisdom 
— scheme — opinions. Pertaining to state or nation, 
as distinguished from civil or municipal, compre- 
hending the rights of Nation, citizen, corporation, 
public derived from office or goverment— artful, 
skillful, administration of revenue, management oi 
resources, property, and labor. 

Democracy. 

Government by the people, a form of govern 
ment in which the supreme power is lodged in the 
hands of the people, collectively, or in which the 
people exercise the power of legislation. Such was 
the Government of Athens. 



Republican. 

Is a reference to republic, a commonwealth, a 
state in which the exercise of the sovereign power 
is lodged in representatives selected by the people. 

Socialism. 

Is a social state in which there is a community 
of property among all the citizens; a new term for 
Agrarianism. 

As the democrats of Oklahoma did today — dis- 
franchise its independent voters — Aug. 6, 1912. 

Prohibition. 
The act of forbidding, or intrediting; a declar- 
ation to hinder some action, interdict. 

Commerce or Commercial. 

In a general sense — and interchange or mutual 
change of goods. wares, productions, or 
property of any kind, between nations or 
individuals, either by barter or purchase and sale, 
trade, or traffic. Commerce trade of Nations, the 
exchange of commodities with citizens, as with Na- 
tions, the interchange of everything beneficial to 
humanity. 

It should be an easy matter to select the one 
Nature has intended for us. 



SEP 7 1912 



The Moneyless Man. 

Is there no place on earth, 
Where honor reigns and justice Las birth. 
Where the bosom in mercy and kindness will heave, 
"Where the poor and needy can ask and receive? 
Is there no place, where a knock on the door, 
Will bring relief for the distressed and poor, 
You may search the wide world where'er you can, 
You will find no place for the moneyless man. 

Look in your hall, where the chandeliers high, 
Drives off with its splendor, the darkness of night, 
Where the rich hanging velvet in shadowy fold, 
Sweeps gracefully down with trimmings of gold, 
And mirrors of silver take up and renew, 
Long lighted vistas with bewildering view, 
You may go to the banquet, and find if you can, 
A social smile for the moneyless man. 

Look at the church of cloud reaching spire 
That pierces the sun as though it were ire! 
Where arches and columns are gorgeous within, 
And walls seem as pure as souls without sin, 
Walk down the long aisles, see the rich and the great 
In pomp and pride of worldly estate, 
Walk down in your patches, and find if you can, 
Who opens his pew to the moneyless man. 

Go to the bank where Mammon has told 

His thousands and millions of silver and gold, 

Safe from the hands of the starving and poor 

Lie piles upon piles of glittering ore, 

Walk up to their counters, there you may stay 

Till your limbs get stiff and your hair turns gray, 

You'll find at the bank not one of the clan 

With money to lend to the moneyless man. 

Look at your judge, in dark flowing gown, 
With power and law to weigh equity down, 
Where he frowns on the weak and smiles on the 

strong, 
And punishes right to justify wrong, 
Where juries with smiles to justice have said. 
We will render a verdict the judge has made, 
Go to the court room and find if you can 
Any law for the cause of the moneyless man. 

Arise, in your manhood, as people of old, 
And cast off these awful fetters of gold. 
As they stood against the claim of king, 
Stand you so, for freedom, from this soulless thing, 
And when from this vicious tyrant you're free, 
The terror of poverty like shadows will flee. 
Stand with full stature, you surely can, 
Relieved from the stigma of the moneyless man. 



FINAL. 

For the benefit of any who may wish to inter- 
est themselves in a common life — I will give as pre- 
cise a synopsis of self as memory affords. 

Was born at or near Tiffin, Ohio, in 1842; my 
people moved to Fulton County, Ohio, in 1852, farm- 
ers; in 1861 enlisted in the 38th Ohio Infantry, and 
re-enlisted at Chattanooga, Tenn., in December, 
1863, was Regimental Flag Bearer from the Battle 
of Jonesboro September 1st, 1864, until mustered 
out, July 1865; the winters of 1867 and 1868 worked 
for Moores-Smith & Company of. Bay City, Mich. 
Joined Greeley Colony early in 1870 — didn't like it, 
and returned to Wichita, Kansas, and remained 
there until the fall of 1891 I came to El Reno, Okla., 
where I now write. Respectfullv, 

T. A. SOHX. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS" 



027 292 598 7 




~T THINK we are a Nation oi Commercial People, 
-*• and should operate as such. But fast drifting 
into Socialism, would be foolish to distrust; politi- 
cal strife we all must fear, for it's bound to do ns 
harm; with its deep rooted animosity, humanity 
should turn it down. 



DEMOCRAT PUB. CO. 



EL RENO, OKLA. 



Hollinger Corp 
P H 8.5 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



027 292 598 7 




Hollinger Corp. 
pH 8.5 



